Bible translation and the Sermon on the mount

Date
1999-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH SUMMARY: The purpose of the assignment is to present and illustrate modem translation methods using the Sermon on the Mount as a basis. As background to this, a brief summary of the history of Bible translation is given in four main epochs, extending from the LXX to the present. This history focuses on the approach and style of the various versions discussed, tracing the progress of translation techniques. Following this is a discussion of modem principles of translation. Formal Equivalence and Functional (Dynamic) Equivalence are briefly described here, followed by various linguistic problems encountered by the translator. Translation is then considered in terms of communication theory in which the nature, and impact on translation, of Relevance Theory is investigated. Modem translation theory is illustrated in two ways. The first is a critique of various modem English translations (NEB, REB, NIV, NRSV, TEV, CEV, JB, NJB) based on their individual renderings of the Sermon on the Mount and mainly considering style, readability and accuracy. The second is an original translation of the Sermon on the Mount which is felt to conform largely with modem techniques in general and with Relevance Theory in particular. Various translation choices are supported by notes and comments given in their support, and reference is made to the versions critiqued wherever this was thought to be relevant.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel met hierdie werkstuk is om modeme vertalingsmetodes voor te le en te illustreer deur gebruik te maak van die Bergprediking. 'n Kort opsomming van die geskiedenis van Bybelvertaling , verdeel in vier groot epogge wat van die LXX tot die hede toe strek, is voorgele as agtergrond. Die fokus is op die benadering en styl van die verskillende vertalings, en die ontwikkeling van vertalingstegnieke is blootgele. Hiema is modeme vertalingsprinsiepe bespreek. Formeel-ekwivalente en Funksioneel- (Dinamiese-) ekwivalente vertalingsmetodes is kortliks verduidelik, waama verskeie taalverwante probleme wat die vertaler mag teenkom ondersoek is. Daama is vertaling in verband met kommunikasieteorie bespreek, en die aard en invloed op vertaling van Relevance Theory is ondersoek. Modeme vertalingsteorie is op twee maniere geillustreer. Eerstens deur 'n kritiek van verskeie modeme Engelse vertalings (NEB, REB, NIV, NRSV, TEV, CEV, JB, NJB) op grond van hul afsonderlike weergawes van die Bergprediking en hoofsaaklik deur hul styl, leesbaarheid en akkuraatheid te oorweeg. Tweedens deur 'n oorspronklike vertaling, in Engels, van die Bergprediking wat bedoel is om grootendeels met modeme tegnieke in die algemeen, en met Relevance Theory in die besonder te ooreenstem. Verskeie vertalingskeuses word deur notas en kommentaar ondersteun, en die vertalings wat vroeer ondersoek is word aangemeld waar dit ter sake geag is.
Description
Thesis (M.A.) -- University of Stellenbosch, 1999.
Keywords
Bible -- Translating, Sermon on the mount, Dissertations -- Ancient studies
Citation